Google Spokewoman Gina Scigliano has confirmed with CNET that Android is working on a brand new photo API that will support both RAW uncompressed photos and a native burst-mode. The new API is already implemented in lower levels and is currently being worked on, but it won't to be fully released until a future Android update.
"Android's latest camera HAL (hardware abstraction layer) and framework supports raw and burst-mode photography," Scigliano said. "We will expose a developer API in a future release to expose more of the HAL functionality."
Speculation about the Android camera supporting RAW photos has been floating around for a week, after a few lines in the public source code indicated that it could be possible.
Scigliano said that Google will be giving developers access to the API, allowing them to take advantage of the uncompressed RAW photo files with their own software. It is expected that far more powerful and professional photo editing apps will be created in the process, since RAW files allow greater levels of tweaking compared to compressed images, such as JPEGs. Burst-mode is already available on some phones, though it isn't natively supported in Android.
When pressed on whether the update will help with the Nexus 5's camera issues, Scigliano replied "The team is aware of the issues and is working on a software update that will be available shortly." We don't yet know if the RAW support will land in a major update, or if it will be included in a smaller patch to Android 4.4 KitKat.
Add magic to your living space with these string lights
String lights add personality and soft light to your living space. Here are some of the best.
Disguise your little one with the help of a themed costume
From roaring lions to hoppy bunnies, costumes speak to every child's unique spirit. And we've collected our favorite options.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra's Space Zoom camera is amazing and a bit creepy
The Galaxy S20 Ultra supports up to 100X zoom, which Samsung calls Space Zoom, but is it any good? Can a phone really product usable photos at 100x zoom? We've got our Galaxy S20 Ultra already so join us to find out!
Keep that impressive Pixel 3 XL camera protected with these cases
If you have a Pixel 3 XL, chances are you're worried that its stunning glass and metal design will break during that first unexpected drop. We know the feeling, so we’ve compiled the best cases to keep your phone protected.